As the Fringe Festival comes to an end Melbourne Festival is just beginning. Don’t you love that about Melbourne; a new festival begins before the last one has even ended? Sometimes it’s hard to keep up and no matter how many times you say you’ll go, get involved and get amongst the action the whole thing passes by while you’re on your couch, on Facebook or having a latte in Degraves. This will not do. Make the most of the cultural playground that is Melbourne.

Finucane and Smith’s Carnival of Mysteries is one of the most anticipated events of the Festival and promises to be the most titillating. Think burlesque, bizarre and bright. This show oozes raw and risky sexuality and is off-centre in the best possible way.

In this collaborative project 30 artists have been commissioned to interpret the mysteries of innocence, passion, mercy, forgiveness and love. This has resulted in fortyfivedownstairs, the sub city not-for-profit theatre on Flinders Lane, being completely transformed into a chaotic carnival ready for you to get lost in. As you wander through the different spaces you can expect to find all things freaky, sexy, tasty and confusing.

Carnival of Mysteries runs Fri Oct 8-Sat Oct 30 so book a specific carnival session soon. Upon arrival your entry ticket will be exchanged for Carnival cash, which is used to sample all that’s on offer in this elaborate carnival underworld. You can buy more Carnival cash along the way to squeeze all you can out of the experience. Sessions are open for 2 hours but don’t be tardy because last entry is 45 minutes after the session starts. To check session times visit the Melbourne Festival website. There’s also a preview on tonight for the spontaneous amongst you.

*Warning: includes nudity, adult concepts, smoking, smoke effects, strobe effects and loud music. (Sounds promising, doesn't it?)